This is the page of Northeastern Illinois University's Philosophy Program.
NEIU's Philosophy Program has been thinking the big thoughts since 1970 or before, depending on your views on corporate identity. If you're an alumnus, stick with us for updates about what's going on in our program. If you're a student--join us for an intellectual adventure through the wonderful world of ideas.
06/18/2026
We are pleased to share the Summer 2026 NEIU Philosophy Alumni Newsletter. Click the link below for news on retirements, hires, the Ethics Bowl, dual-enrollment, alumni success stories, and more!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VdSTTxPIxUoBanliKu9OYD2MyH-XGgls/view
Dr. Ali Kaveh Aenehzodaee, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Harper College, presented “On Tact” in April. He explores the importance of communicating with others thoughtfully by choosing the right words and navigating conversational predicaments with care. Watch the video to hear Kaveh’s highlights and insights on the role tact plays in everyday interactions.
Stay tuned for upcoming colloquiua this fall!
Click the link below to watch the full video.
https://youtu.be/v-ToTxZ-BoE?si=JSlEe8f9kHj5z94i
NEIU's Philosophy Program offers both a major (B.A. degree) in Philosophy and minor in Philosophy. As a student of philosophy, you’re as sure to learn something about the age-old ideas of Plato and Aristotle as the debates about the science, gender, class and race that animate contemporary philosophy. You are also certain to acquire practical and in-demand skills such as critical thinking, persuasive writing, and problem solving.
Watch the video to hear from our students, alumni, faculty, and philosophers from around the world!
Interested in Philosophy? Click the link below!
https://forms.gle/RJqgeSY3MYBBXWJ48
Jeanette Hernandez, Administrative Aide in the World Languages and Culture Department and a 2001 graduate of the Philosophy Department, reflects on her time as a philosophy student. She shares insights from her experiences in the program and learning about the work of Hannah Arendt (which we have a course on this summer!).
Click the link below to watch the full video.
https://youtu.be/74zogRa-TpA
Greg Jacobs, a filmmaker from Siskel/Jacobs Productions, presented his climate change documentary, The Here Now Project, at Northeastern Illinois University for the NEIU Colloquium Series in March. Watch the video to hear Greg discuss the production process behind the film and the philosophy that guided his work.
Click the link below to watch the full video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZU7_QocSV8
05/04/2026
Summer 2026 courses are almost here, but there is still time to sign up! PHIL 101: Argument and Reasoning, PHIL 102: Intro to Philosophy, PHIL 213: Ethics, and PHIL 387: Political Thought of Hannah Arendt will be offered.
Reach out to your advisor and register for classes today!
05/01/2026
Philosophy major Shayne dressed the part for their presentation on cannibalism in Philosophy of Food. Meanwhile Dr. Milsky plied the class with lots of exotic cheese.
04/22/2026
Food philosophers seem to have similar fashion sensibilities!
Dr. Gavin Whitelaw of Harvard University, presented a lecture on the local morality of Japanese convenience stores at Northeastern Illinois University as our February Colloquium Series guest speaker. Watch the short clip as he discusses the challenges of operating a convenience store in Japan.
Click the link below to watch the full video
https://youtu.be/zjzG3nhZLm4
04/20/2026
Join NEIU Philosophy on Thursday, April 23 in BBH 101 from 3:00 pm-4:30 pm for the third Colloquium of the semester!
Dr. Ali Kaveh Aenehzodaee of Harper College will present "On Tact", followed by a Q&A session.
Some speakers reliably navigate hard conversations exceptionally well. When speakers resolve such predicaments candidly and without losing face or reducing the standing of their interlocutors, they display tactfulness. This project explores tact as a familiar yet under-theorized concept. Dr. Aenehzodaee proposes and examines the merits of an account of tact according to which: to be tactful is to not deprive others of what they need to hear. The challenge of expressing what others need to hear while containing the emotional ruptures of hard conversations helps explain this exceptional quality of some speakers.
We hope to see you there!